10 Days • 9 Nights
Luxury Philippines: Private El Nido & Island Retreats
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stay on a secluded private island in Bacuit Bay, cruise the lagoons of El Nido on your own boat, snorkel pristine reefs, and unwind at an ultra-luxury island retreat with a spa over the water. Every transfer is private, every villa steps from the sea, every detail anticipated.
For travellers who want the Philippines' beauty with the utmost privacy and comfort, there is nothing like it.
Trip Highlights
- Secluded private-island resorts in Palawan
- A private boat through the lagoons of El Nido
- Snorkelling pristine, uncrowded reefs
- An ultra-luxury island retreat with an overwater spa
- Private beach dinners and personal service
- Hidden coves reached only by boat
- Seaplane or private transfers where available
- Nine nights of barefoot island luxury
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Met privately and transferred to your luxury El Nido resort beneath the limestone cliffs, with a gourmet welcome dinner as the sun sets over Bacuit Bay.
A private boat day through the Big and Small Lagoons, snorkelling pristine reefs and drifting into hidden coves, with a gourmet beach lunch.
A second private boat day to secluded beaches and quieter reefs, with time to simply relax on the water.
A day for the spa, the beach or a sunset cruise, at your own unhurried pace.
Transfer by private boat or seaplane to a secluded private-island retreat, settling into your beachfront villa with the reef at your doorstep.
A day of pure indulgence — snorkelling the house reef, kayaking, an overwater spa treatment and a private beach dinner under the stars.
A private boat safari to nearby reefs and sandbars, snorkelling crystal water far from the crowds, with lunch aboard.
A free day to do everything or nothing — diving, paddleboarding, the spa or simply your villa and the sea.
One last indulgent day in paradise, with a farewell dinner on the sand.
A final gourmet breakfast before your private transfer and flight home.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private and where available seaplane transfers throughout
- 4 nights at a luxury El Nido resort, 5 nights at a private-island retreat
- Full board at the private-island retreat plus daily gourmet breakfast and a welcome dinner elsewhere
- A private boat island-hopping the lagoons and reefs of Bacuit Bay
- Snorkelling, kayaking and non-motorised water sports
- A signature spa treatment and a private beach dinner
- A dedicated host and personalised experiences throughout
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the Philippines
- Any visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (essential for a journey of this value)
- Premium meals and beverages beyond those stated
- Additional spa treatments and personal purchases
- Gratuities for hosts, guides and staff
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days; check your passport's eligibility. Your passport should be valid at least six months, and onward tickets are sometimes requested
- English everywhere: English is an official language and widely spoken, which makes the Philippines wonderfully easy to travel
- Currency: The currency is the Philippine Peso. Cards work in cities and resorts, but carry cash for islands, markets, tricycles and the many small local fees
- Best season: The dry season (November to April) is ideal, with sunshine and calm seas; June to October is the wet, typhoon-prone season when some boat trips can be cancelled
- Island transfers: Getting between islands means domestic flights and boat (bangka) rides, all arranged for you but occasionally affected by weather or sea conditions
- Local fees: Islands and attractions charge small environmental, terminal and island-hopping fees payable in cash on the spot — keep small peso notes handy
- Sun & reef: The tropical sun is strong; bring high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash guard for snorkelling to protect both yourself and the coral
- Health: Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present) and consider a waterproof bag for boat days. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity: A local SIM or eSIM is cheap and handy, though signal can be patchy on remote islands — a welcome excuse to unplug
- Tipping & power: Tipping is appreciated for good service. Power is 220V, usually with type A/B plugs, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as island-hopping lunches. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy the Philippines' fresh seafood and lively food scene.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, island-hopping boats and tours are arranged with local guides and boatmen, so there is nothing to organise on the ground.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 30 days. We can confirm the requirements for your passport before you travel.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season from November to April offers the sunniest weather and calmest seas. June to October is wetter and typhoon-prone, so we favour the dry months for island trips.
Is island-hopping weather-dependent?
Boat trips depend on sea and weather conditions and can occasionally be rescheduled for safety. We build in flexibility and your guide will always make the best of the day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, resorts and activities can all be tailored, and we can add Palawan, Boracay, Siargao or the rice terraces. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By short domestic flights between the main hubs and by boat (bangka) for island-hopping — all included and arranged for you.
What kind of resorts do we stay in?
The Philippines' finest luxury and private-island resorts, chosen for seclusion, service and setting. We confirm the exact properties with you and tailor to your preferences.
Is the private island all-inclusive?
Yes — the private-island retreat is full board with activities included, so you simply relax. Elsewhere, breakfast and signature meals are included.
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